Arsenal could be on the verge of losing yet another defender as La Liga side Athletic Bilbao prepares to make a move for Nacho Monreal according to the Daily Express.
Right-back Bacary Sagna completed his free transfer to Manchester City on Friday, as reports emerged that new Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is interested in signing the unsettled Thomas Vermaelen.
Spanish newspaper MARCA claims that Athletic Bilbao are looking to strengthen their squad as they have a shot at Champions League football next season after having finished fourth in the Spanish league, but will only sign Monreal for a bargain price or if Wenger allows them to take him on loan.
Monreal joined the Gunners from Malaga during the winter transfer window for what is believed to be £8 million, but has mostly played second-fiddle to Kieran Gibbs during his time with Arsenal.
The Gunners were also being linked with Athletico’s French defender Aymeric Laporte ahead of this summer, but he was quick to deny that he wanted to join Arsenal.
“Am I going to leave this summer? No, I am happy at Bilbao,” he said.
“I have a €36million release clause and if one day a departure could become possible, I would think about it.
“Would it be a disappointment to stay at Athletic? Not at all. I will remain in a great team, playing in one of the best leagues in the world.”
